New Real Estate Porn

Yes, it is the 2007 Edition of Real Estate Porn! I know how much you've all missed me blogging about the apartments that I can't possibly afford. This one however has historical significance because it's the Dakota, the landmark apartment building that was once the home to John Lennon and Rosemary's baby. Now, it's speculated that TomKat maybe buying Leonard Bernstein's old apartment for a whopping $25 Million dollars. Yes, you read right $25 Million dollars, which could possibly buy you a whole town in Georgia (see Kim Basinger) or two townhouses in Greenwich Village.

Of course, this is just a rumor, but if it's true, it makes sense. The Dakota is heavily guarded since John Lennon was killed. And TomKat would be neighbors with not only Yoko, but Lauren Bacall and Roberta Flack. The Dakota is so famous that a whole book was written about it, by Stephen Birmingham. The legend has it that the building was named the Dakota because when it was built it was so far north that it seemed like living in the Dakotas. This was back in the day when most people didn't live further north than 57th Street.

At the time the Dakota was built, there was just Central Park. The building was full service with an elevator that was so big you could drive your carriage into it and be delivered to your door! Of course those days are over, and the huge apartments that once existed in the building have been carved down.

I read an article in The New York Times about a guy who raised his family in basically a loft apartment in the attic of the building, what had once been a maid's room. He still owns the apartment and uses it as like a studio. I saw the pictures, this place was tiny, but it's in The Dakota.

So, tell the truth, if you won Mega Millions, would you spend $25MM to live in the same building as Yoko?

Thanks for reading,

EKM